JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE -- REFERENDUM ON LINE ITEM VETO (This proposed amendment to the Constitution would provide the governor with a line item veto on the budget and other bills for the appropriation of money.)
Impact
If enacted, this amendment would replace the existing Article IX, Section 14 of the Rhode Island Constitution, thus altering the existing balance of power between the legislative and executive branches. Supporters believe that the line item veto will lead to more responsible budgeting by enabling the governor to eliminate unnecessary expenditures and prioritize essential services. This could also result in a more streamlined budgetary process, potentially reducing wasteful spending and reflecting a more targeted approach to financial management within the state.
Summary
Bill S2445 proposes a significant amendment to the Constitution of the State of Rhode Island, introducing a line item veto for the governor concerning budget appropriations. This change aims to enhance the governor's power by allowing them to selectively approve or disapprove individual items within budget bills, rather than being compelled to accept or reject entire pieces of legislation. This potential shift is intended to provide the executive branch with more flexible financial management capabilities, especially during budgetary constraints or when specific funding allocations require reconsideration.
Contention
Conversely, opponents of the amendment argue that empowering the governor with a line item veto could undermine the legislative authority of the General Assembly. They express concerns that this change may lead to an imbalance in governance, where the executive may manipulate budgetary priorities to align with partisan interests, sidelining the legislative process. The debate surrounding this proposal emphasizes the delicate interplay of power dynamics in government and raises questions about accountability and transparency in budgetary decisions.
Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State -- Referendum On Line Item Veto (this Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Would Provide The Governor With A Line Item Veto On The Budget And Other Bills For The Appropriation Of Money.)
Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State (initiative And Referendum) (this Resolution Would Enable The Citizens Of Rhode Island To Propose Laws And Amendments To The Constitution Through An Initiative And Referendum Process, Except As To Revenue And Appropriations, Which Power Remains Vested In The General Assembly.)
Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution -- Of Suffrage (would Propose To The Voters Of The State A Constitutional Amendment Regarding Eligibility To Vote And To Be A Candidate.)
Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution -- Of Suffrage (would Propose To The Voters Of The State A Constitutional Amendment Regarding Eligibility To Vote And To Be A Candidate.)
Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State (governor And Lieutenant Governor To Appear Jointly On The Ballot) (requires Submission To Voters Election Constitutional Amendment Requiring Governor/lieutenant Governor To Run As A Team In Elections Commencing In 2026.)
Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution -- Jury Nullification As Proper Trial Defense Argument (this Joint Resolution Would Propose To The Voters A Constitutional Amendment Which Would Allow A Criminal Defendant To Argue Jury Nullification As A Defense.)
Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State-of Elections And Campaign Finance (proposes A Constitutional Amendment Authorizing Four (4) Year Terms For Members Of The General Assembly, Elected Members From Even Numbered Districts Would Begin To Be Elected To Four (4) Year Terms.)
Joint Resolution Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution - Provisions Of State Constitution Declared To Be Presumptively Judicially Enforceable By Parties Allegedly Aggrieved By Violations Thereof (proposes To The Voters Of The State A Constitutional Amendment That The Provisions Of The State Constitution Are Presumptively Judicially Enforceable By Parties Allegedly Aggrieved By Violations Thereof.)
Joint Resolution To Approve, Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State -- Four Year Terms And Term Limits For Representatives And Senators (proposes An Amendment To The State Constitution, Article Iv, To Allow For Term Limits For The General Assembly Members.)